But after his mother’s recent successful surgery, Day has made the trip to Augusta and looks set to play in his sixth Masters Tournament, albeit without a lot of preparation.

The Masters website reported that Day spent Friday and Saturday practising at Augusta with caddie Col Swatton by his side and sounded upbeat:

“Obviously, we still have to wait to see (about) chemo,” Day said, “but we feel much better about things.”

Day, 29, played Augusta National Friday in advance of the 81st Masters, then played the second nine Saturday before settling in to do some late-afternoon short-game work with his caddie and swing coach, Colin Swatton. Day’s wife, Ellie, and two children are back home helping to care for Dening, and Day said other family friends are going to lend assistance this week.

Even without playing much golf, Day will start as one of the tournament favourites with a great track record around Augusta National.

In Day’s five previous starts at The Masters the 29-year-old has finished in the top-10 on three occasions.

Even under physical duress Day has managed to play well at The Masters. Last year Day spent most of the week in poor health and didn’t play any where near his best but still finished in a tie for 10th place, six shots behind the green jacket winner Danny Willett.